Cold Sores and Canker Sores Compared
It’s easy to confuse cold sores and canker sores.
Unlike a cold sore, a canker sore is not contagious, and it appears on the inside tissues of the mouth rather than the outer surface of the lip (which is where cold sores appear). A canker sore, also known as an apthous ulcer, looks like a small, round or oval lesion that has a white or yellowish center surrounded by red. They tend to be indented, like a crater, rather than raised, like a bump.
Canker sores most often appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips or at the base of the gum. Canker sores are not usually associated with bleeding gums, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums you should see your dentist to be evaluated for possible gum disease.
The majority of canker sores are mild. Mild canker sores are less than one-third of an inch long and usually heal on their own after a few weeks.
But major apthous ulcers, defined as larger than 10 mm in size, can take more than a month to heal and can cause scarring when they finally do heal. So it’s important to visit your doctor or dentist if you have a canker sore that has persisted for more than a few weeks. These large ulcers are most common in young adults after puberty, and they are more likely to recur than smaller sores. Older adults are more prone to herpetiform lesions, in which dozens of tiny lesions group together to form a large ulcer.
The exact cause of canker sores remains uncertain, but possible factors include an allergic reaction to bacteria in the mouth, a minor injury to the inside of the mouth due to dental work or poorly fitting dental appliances, food allergies or health problems, such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Although most canker sores resolve on their own, if you have a large or stubborn lesion, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic mouth rinse, topical paste to apply to the lesion, or a nutritional supplement if poor nutrition may be the cause of the canker sore.
The above article is from: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Quick and Easy Crowns Made While You Wait
If you have ever had a crown placed for a restoration, you’re aware how drawn out the process can be. First the impression, then a temporary, and then the wait of two weeks or more. Another visit to the dentist to place the permanent crown, and if it doesn’t fit properly, yet another wait and another dental appointment.
Let Dr. Baker introduce you to the CEREC™ Omnicam computerized designing and milling system. What used to take weeks can now be accomplished in just a single visit! You will be very impressed with this technology, not just because it is quick, but because it gives you the perfect fit every time!
Impressions or temporaries are no longer part of the procedure. With a specific type of camera, a very accurate picture is presented on our computer screen. Dr. Baker designs the restoration from this image and CEREC Omnicam precisely mills the durable, natural-looking crown. It is permanently bonded to the remaining tooth structure and in hardly more than an hour, you are good to go! You couldn’t ask for an easier way to restore a damaged tooth with much less time in the dental chair.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
What Are TMJ Diseases And Disorders?
TMJ diseases and disorders are a group of conditions that cause pain in and around the jaw joint (called the Temporomandibular Joint or TMJ) and nearby muscles. Jaw problems affect a person's ability to speak, eat, chew, swallow and even breathe.
What Are Symptoms Of TMJ?
Pain is the most common symptom of TMJ; however, some people have no pain but still have problems using their jaws. Specific symptoms include:
Face pain
Pain in the jaw joint and nearby areas, including the ear
Back pain
Inability to open the mouth comfortably
Clicking, popping or grating sounds in the jaw joint
Locking of the jaw when attempting to open the mouth
Headaches
A bite that is uncomfortable or feels “off”
Swelling on the side of the face, neck or shoulder
Other symptoms may include ringing in the ears, decreased hearing, dizziness and vision problems.
Keep in mind that occasional discomfort in the jaw joint or chewing muscles is common and is not a cause for concern. Many people with TMJ problems get better without treatment. Often the problem goes away on its own in several weeks to months.
To read the entire article please visit: OralB.com
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Relax with Oral Sedation Dentistry
Even if you are dentally challenged and anxious about treatment, you still need and deserve quality care. We take the fear out of your feelings with oral conscious sedation dentistry. It keeps you calm and worry free throughout any procedure.
By taking one pill an hour before your treatment begins, you will start to feel quite relaxed. As you sit in the dental chair, you gradually reach a deeper level of sedation. You are still conscious and can respond to any questions asked, but you will not be anxious about the work being performed. Your vital signs will be monitored and when treatment is completed, you have someone drive you home. In about an hour or so, you are completely back to normal.
You are not completely out, like during surgery. This type of sedation only takes the edge off of your tension. This is important to know as some patients have even greater fear of being “put under” and losing control of their perception. This provides a happy medium as you maintain consciousness but let go of your anxiety.
For those who are resistant to anesthesia, this is a beneficial choice for certain procedures. Oral conscious sedation also works well for those who need more work performed in one visit. We also use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for those who need lighter sedation. We want all of our patients to feel at ease for all their visits.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Kids Enjoy Their Visits
You can be certain that Dr. Baker uses the latest techniques in children’s dental care. His thoughtful and caring nature makes children feel at ease and lets them enjoy their visits. Our team encourages good daily dental hygiene, teaching them proper brushing and flossing. We enjoy all their visits starting at age two and every year thereafter as they grow and change.
One of the goals at our practice is for our children to grow up feeling at ease with dental visits and without any fear. Our parents have been very pleased that we are achieving this goal. We have an upbeat atmosphere at our office that makes it easy for children to visit. We can help you with an active or scared child to make our interactions happy and relaxed.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
Recapturing a Beautiful Smile with Dental Implants
Dental implants are a tried and true solution for missing teeth. They provide the stability to chew a variety of foods and recreate a full and beautiful smile. They are implanted into the bone and come up through the gums to provide a very life-like appearance – no one will be able to tell they are not your natural teeth. Whether you have one or many missing teeth, implants can be placed in the front or back of your mouth. If you have no teeth, they provide excellent stability for dentures that you will no longer have to remove at night. We handle the entire procedure, so you will not need to be referred to another practice.
Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Craig J. Baker, DMD, PL
13501 Icot Boulevard, Suite 101
Clearwater, FL 33760
(727) 531-4462
TBSmiles.com
